Generation Zero Open Letter Gaining Momentum

Tuesday, 31 January 2017, 2:57 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

Generation Zero Open Letter Gaining Momentum

Generation Zero have been joined by a wave of prominent people, organisations, and public support in calling for a more diverse and representative Auckland Transport board.

Along with 650 members of the public the open letter has been signed by:
Jackie Blue, Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner
Lizzie Marvelly, Editor of The Villianesse
Leonie Morris, Auckland Women’s Centre
Alex Casey, Journalist
Dr. Ella Henry, AUT Senior Lecturer
Professor Nicola Gavey
Louisa Jones, First Union
Chlöe Swarbrick, Green Party Candidate
Julie Anne Genter, Member of Parliament
Rebekah Sherriff, Help Auckland
Christina Van Bohemen, Architecture NZ
Bike Auckland
University of Auckland
Jade Magrath and Ella Stolwerk, Equal Justice Project

The open letter (available at representus.at) is addressed to the Auckland Council Appointments and Performance Committee, who are soon to be deciding on three new members to join the board at Auckland Transport.

A shortlist of candidates for the board is expected to be delivered this week.

“It’s encouraging to see Aucklanders supporting this campaign, especially from people outside the transport area. It shows that people care about equality in all areas of government”says Generation Zero spokesperson Vonnie Veen-Grimes.

“Currently Auckland Transport decision makers are a remarkably unrepresentative team considering the diverse population it represents and is deciding the transport future of”.

The current Auckland Transport Board of Directors is made up of five men and one woman whilst the executive Leadership team includes 10 men and just one woman. They are also largely pākehā.

“Transport affects everyone. We need a board whose role it is to serve the public, to reflect the needs and experiences of all Aucklanders. We do not believe the current board are able to do this.”

“The support for the letter shows increasing public pressure on the committee to consider inclusivity in its appointing of new members,” says Veen-Grimes.

The Appointments and Performance Committee is chaired by mayor Phil Goff. Christine Fletcher is the Deputy Chair, and Penny Hulse, Desley Simpson, Richard Hills and Chris Darby are members. They will proceed in interviewing for the positions throughout February and will be announcing the new members March 2nd.

ENDS

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